Best brunches in the Shire

Lazy brunches are a staple of Australian lifestyle. Lining the shores and streets of the Sutherland Shire is an array of bustling breakfast spots. From cronuts in Cronulla to bagels in Bundeena, choosing where to feast can be an overwhelming task for any brunch hunter. To make the choice a little easier, here is a list of the best bacon, flat whites and smashed avo in the Shire.

Cook at Kurnell 

Cook at Kurnell is a coastal café with a twist, serving you brunch delights from a vintage airstream truck. Surrounded by surfboards and parasols, chow down on oozing egg rolls as you relax along the Kurnell peninsula, for the ultimate surfer’s breakfast.

Milkhouse - Kurnell 

As the name indicates, Milkhouse heralds the dairy delight, milk as a staple on their menu. Try their mouth-watering lime milkshake for a milk sensation with a difference. Time your visit on a Sunday and explore their monthly ‘Street Food Sundays’, a foodie experience from Uruguay. Picture flaky empanadas and sweet churros and you’re in Milkhouse heaven.

Driftwood Café - Bundeena 

Nutella pancakes, corn fritters, mushroom stacks and eggs benny any way you like. Driftwood has a dreamy menu that is sure to satisfy the pickiest of brunch lovers. Don’t be too distracted by the food menu to miss out on their drinks list. Their fresh fruit smoothies are enough to keep the locals coming back for more.

Audley Dancehall Café - Audley

Nestled in the Royal National Park stands the Audley Dancehall Café. Relax by the Port Hacking River and tuck into a menu of wholesome food and peaceful atmospheres. For the hungry ones, tackle the Audley big breakfast with all the trimmings.

HAM (Harry and Mario) - Cronulla 

Award-winning café deli HAM is a family run institution standing near the shores of Cronulla. Enjoy dishes with fresh produce from the in-house deli and fresh bread from local bakery Thoroughbread. Relax with your coffee in the light-filled café, with hanging deli hams and leafy plants cascading the walls at the perfect beachside brunch spot.

Blackwood Pantry - Cronulla 

The all-day menu at Blackwood Pantry is a feast for the eyes and the stomach, filled with technicolour plates and a bustling atmosphere. Sip expertly made coffee in the pastel hued interior and enjoy dishes with the freshest of ingredients like the latest addition to the menu, creamy burrata. This pink tinged plate also comes with prosciutto, heirloom tomatoes, strawberry gazpachio, crusted pistachios, basil and garlic rubbed sourdough- heaven on a plate.

Grind Espresso - Cronulla 

Discover why the phrase “I’d rather be at Grind” is uttered by die-hard patrons of Grind Espresso. Although it isn't famed for its breakfast bites, Grind is a favourite amongst locals and deserves a mention thanks to one key breakfast ingredient- coffee. Sip their expertly brewed espresso, poured by some of the best baristas in the Shire and listen to the best of local talent, as live musicians frequently descend on the local hangout.

Mims Espresso and Eatery - Woolooware 

Classic breakfast dishes don’t get much tastier than at Mims. Perch on outside tables at this family friendly, all day eatery. Taste the latest addition to the menu, the classic Mediterranean dish – Shakshuka. An instagrammable plate of eggs baked in a spicy tomato sauce, chorizo, capsicum and feta.

Sister Fox- Caringbah 

Visitors of this relatively new café come here for one thing and one thing only - the coffee. Deliciously roasted White Horse Espresso beans are expertly brewed for the perfect cup of caffeine. A not-to-miss café for anyone with a love of the bean.

Miranda Hotel - Miranda

For those looking for good food and a great atmosphere, look no further than Miranda Hotel, serving White Horse Espresso coffee beans and ‘hair of the dog’ breakfast on weekends. Relax in the garden courtyard and tackle the charred asparagus, corn and bacon dish or go sweet with a vanilla waffle topped with berry compote. Four legged friends are welcome so don’t forget your pooch on your next brunch adventure.

Hazelhurst Café - Gymea

For bright bowls, gorgeous grounds and delicious drinks, Hazelhurst Café is the place for you. Set in the hidden oasis of the Hazelhurst Art Gallery is a produce driven menu with breakfast delights including crispy sweet potato waffles and bumble bee chia cup granola. While away the hours with your picture-perfect breakfast in the gardens of Gymea then peruse the latest art collection in the gallery.

Portuguese Bakery - Gymea

For those with a sweet tooth, look no further than the Portuguese Bakery in Gymea. Enter this quaint café to the warm smell of freshly baked bread and burnt sugar. The main attraction is the handmade custard-filled Portuguese tarts that pull visitors from far and wide. Savoury delights can also be found with a range of freshly baked breads on offer.

New Aromas Café - Gymea

Don’t be fooled by the name, this institution is no newbie on the block, having stood in the heart of Gymea for over 20 years. The vast menu includes all the usual suspects to ensure no matter what tickles your fancy, you will leave with full stomachs and big smiles.

Bianco Nero - Gymea

Zucchini and feta fritters, chorizo brioche and a smoked salmon plate with spiced avocado, goat's cheese and pesto are just some of the delectable plates found at this simple café. If you thought breakfast was good why not try Friday night tapas, serving a tasty menu of small plates packed with flavour and local beer.

West End Espresso - Jannali

After visiting Jannali and struggling to locate a coffee shop, brothers Jake and Luke decided to fill the gap with their own beans. For bread lovers, you won’t be disappointed by West End Espresso’s gourmet sourdough sandwiches. Sip Reuben Hills beans expertly brewed by resident barista Jake Bonning in this cosy café.

The Boatshed at Woronora 

Set on Forbes Creek, this local favourite serves all day breakfast in an idyllic setting. Try locals favourite, the boatshed breakfast platter packed with all the usual suspects of waffles, avocado, eggs cooked two ways, hollandaise sauce, sourdough and much more. Once you’ve chowed down, rent a canoe on site and tackle the Woronora river.